'When I am on a journey, all ties suddenly fall away. I feel myself quite unburdened, disconnected, free - There is something in it marvellously uplifting and invigorating. Whole past epochs suddenly return: nothing is lost, everything still full of inception, enticement.' Hesperus Press is delighted to present the first English translation of Zweig's writings on his travels in Europe. Representing a lifetime's observations, this collection can be dipped into or savoured at length, and paints a rich and sensitive picture of Europe before the Second World War. For the insatiably curious Zweig, travel was both a necessary cultural education and a personal balm for the depression he experienced when rooted in one place for too long. He spent much of his life weaving between the countries of Central Europe, visiting authors and friends, exploring the continent in the heyday of international rail travel.

Author Biography

Stefan Zweig (1881-1942) was an Austrian novelist, playwright, journalist and biographer. He wrote prolifically, and was closely acquainted with many of the leading artistic figures of his day, including Rilke, Gide and Thomas Mann. He committed suicide along with his wife after seeking refuge from the Second World War in Brazil.